Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.
An intensive study of factors influencing secondary school pupils in their choice of school subjects and of possible careers; in particular, it was intended to discover how far crucial subject decisions made at about the age of 13 affect the rest of their schooling and ultimate choice of higher education and career. The data comprises a longitudinal study of a sample of pupils beginning at the age of 13 and continuing until they had made their `A' level choices in the sixth form.
Main Topics:
Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions A detailed breakdown of subject preferences and dislikes with reasons. Influences on choice of school subjects, regrets after dropping subjects, subjects respondent would have liked to take but could not. Opinion on degree of choice/amount of guidance given in choice of subjects. Future plans: examinations, following school year, after school, subjects at university. Career/job: preferences, expectations, sources of influence and advice were investigated. Relationship with father and mother was explored (degree of support, authority, etc.), which parent respondent resembled most in outlook/intelligence. Questions about respondent's friends (school attended, age, etc.) and whether respondent felt closer to friends or family. School: length of attendance; desire to/expectation of staying on in the sixth form; parental involvement with child's education and wish for child to stay on. Opinions on a number of statements about science in school, abilities of a scientist, the nature of a scientist and the scientist's work. Test materials: AH4 test of general intelligence; APU occupational interest guide; Jr-Sr High School Personality Questionnaire. Background Variables Age, sex, number and birth order of siblings, members of household (and whether they had attended university/college), employment status of siblings, father's/mother's occupation, whether mother had worked when child was young. Whether home area was urban/rural.
One-stage stratified or systematic random sample
Face-to-face interview
Educational measurements
